WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

ULTRA VIOLET DISINFECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT UPDATE

The City is set to undertake a significant project to enhance the Traverse City Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (TCRWWTP). The project aims to address aging infrastructure, increase reliability, improve plant hydraulics, and resolve deficiencies in the UV disinfection system.

A study completed in 2021 identified necessary improvements for preliminary screening, grit separation, primary clarifiers, and the UV disinfection system:

• Preliminary Screening (1994): Lacks redundancy and sufficient hydraulic capacity.
• Grit Separation (1950s, 1970s): Performs inadequately, failing to balance flow during peak influent rates.
• Primary Clarifiers (1930s, 1950s): Significant corrosion and frequent costly repairs required.
• Primary Effluent Screw Pumps (1970s): Operating beyond their expected useful life.
• UV Disinfection System (1998): Reaching end of life and under an Administrative Consent Order (ACO) from EGLE. The new system must be elevated to prevent damage during high water events.

The goal is to enhance the plant’s performance, reliability, and maintainability while considering cost, constructability, and sustainability. A project update will be provided to the City Commission at their June 10, 2024 meeting.

In 2023, the City Commission approved the preliminary design stage contract for the Progressive Design-Build of the WWTP Preliminary Treatment and UV Disinfection Improvements. This large-scale project will upgrade the front half of the treatment processes and the final UV disinfection stage.

Initially estimated at $23.5 million to $29 million, recent cost estimates for the project have increased to $26.1 million to $35.8 million. A funding request for a low-interest loan has been made to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) for 2025. The last comparable project in 2002, which introduced bioreactor membrane treatment trains, cost over $31 million, equivalent to $61 million in present-day dollars. Currently in the preliminary design stage and nearing the 30% design milestone, multiple alternatives have been evaluated, with the final decision to be made by the City Commission. Completion is expected by summer/fall 2027.

In alignment with the City’s focus on improving water systems, five-year project plans for drinking water and clean water (wastewater) have been developed, prioritizing project investments of approximately $48 million. This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability and efficiency of Traverse City’s water infrastructure.

MAPLE STREET RECONSTRUCTION

PROJECT TO BE COMPLETED LATE JUNE

Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists should be aware that the City’s contractor, Team Elmer’s, will began the resurfacing project on Maple Street between Sixth and Griffin Streets on June 5, 2024. The work is expected to be substantially complete by June 28, 2024.

Project activities include milling the existing pavement, adjusting catch basins and manhole covers, and overlaying the street with asphalt. In addition, the Eighth and Maple Street brickwork is being reconstructed. 

Access & Detours

During construction, intersections along Maple Street will be closed as needed depending on the type of work being performed. If possible, please use alternate routes avoiding this area to reduce congestion, delay, and promote worker safety. Alley access for residents in the impacted area will be maintained. Sidewalks, particularly at intersections, will experience intermittent closures. Appropriate signage and barricades will be in place in and around the work area. 

Two way for residents:  Two-way traffic is in place for the residents only on Seventh Street between Oak and Maple block so they may access their homes.

Maple & Eighth Intersection: During construction, the intersection will be closed to all vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Sidewalks will be accessible, but crossings will be directed to the intersections to the north, south, east, and west.

The Maple Reconstruction Project is part of the 2023-2024 Pavement Preservation Project.

HOUSING POLICY WORKSHOP

COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON HOUSING SOLUTIONS

The City will host a public workshop on housing policy at the City Opera House. The event will take place on June 18, 2024, at 6 pm, featuring presentations and discussions aimed at addressing the critical issues surrounding housing in our community.

Featured speakers from Flywheel Community Development Services and the Michigan Association of Planning will present data-driven options to support effective housing strategies that cater to both local and regional needs. The program will delve into the complexities of housing policy, highlighting the necessity for thoughtful and customized approaches rather than generic, one-size-fits-all solutions.

In addition, the meeting will serve as a joint meeting with the City Commission, Planning Commission, and the DDA. Attendees will gain insights into how the City of Traverse City fits within the broader northern regional housing and employment system. The session will also explore the unique challenges faced by different communities, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies to address specific local issues.

MDOT PROJECT UPDATES

PRACTICE PATIENCE

Temporary traffic control measures during the MDOT Project deviate from the usual traffic controls. Your cooperation and diligence are essential for ensuring the safety of yourself, pedestrians, bicyclists, and fellow motorists during this period of construction. We urge all drivers to exercise caution, yield to pedestrians, and remain vigilant while navigating the MDOT Project detours.

This Week's Progress Report

In the past week, crews have completed underground, subgrading and gravel placement work for Segment 1.

Reminder: The Murchie Bridge underpass is now open!

Next Week's Work & Beyond

In the upcoming week, crews will complete curb and sidewalks, topsoiling and fine grading. Traffic control will remain as is for main EB/WB traffic. Hope Street will be closed for a few days, with Barlow to follow. Barlow will be closed for approximately a week and a half.

Beginning Thursday, June 13th (weather permitting), asphalt paving operations we will result in daytime lane shifts for EB US-31 traffic through the work zone.

Beginning around the June 17^th, the northern most lane of WB US-31 will be closed for approximately a week

Businesses Open

Anticipate that the construction will affect businesses, particularly those situated along the construction zone. However, it's important to note that our local businesses will continue to operate, and by demonstrating patience, you can actively support them throughout this period of disruption.

IN THE COMMUNITY

GRAND TRAVERSE INDUSTRIES AND J&S HAMBURG: PROJECT FEED THE KIDS HONORED

On June 3rd, the City's Human Rights Commission honored two organizations, Grand Traverse Industries and J&S Hamburg South Airport: Project Feed the Kids, as their 2024 Business/Organization Humanitarian Effort Award recipients. The award was established to honor and give public recognition to a business or organization that has demonstrated an ongoing and sustained commitment to helping others in the Traverse City Region. Congratulations and thank you for all you do for our community!